Gives users full Windows MS Office experience

OnLive's iPad app that allows users to access, run and work with the Windows version of Microsoft Office using touch controls via the cloud has gone live on the App Store. The free app promises an "instant response, no-compromise" touchscreen experience using a cloud-optimized version of Microsoft Office, but limits the connection to just the three main Office applications -- Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The company says even video and animations will play smoothly and lag-free.

OnLive leverages a proprietary video compression technology to deliver smooth frame rates and performance over the net (one megabit or better internet connection required). Users who are with companies that already use OnLive Desktop can simply download the client from the App Store and begin using it immediately. Files can easily be transferred from the OnLive environment to other devices, and users can sign up for OnLive accounts for free.

The free account comes with access to the three apps and 2GB of cloud storage. A $10 per month Pro account ups the storage to 50GB, gives users "priority access" to the Office apps, and adds the ability to use "cloud-accelerated web browsing" and to run other PC applications (from a limited menu chosen by OnLive). The program can even be "projected" to HDTV using an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible television.

OnLive says it will eventually add collaborative services, including desktop sharing, to Pro and Enterprise users.

by MacNN Staff